Construction News

The McLean County Chamber of Commerce Moves to New Location in Bloomington, IL

Classy, engaging, and welcoming are just a few words to describe the new home of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.  

Modern light fixtures with sharp lines and inquisitive features confer a fresh look. 

Doorways filled with glass and a completely glazed conference room wall give the space an open and inviting feeling.  Earthy tones and dark woods invite guests into a warm space.  Advanced audio and visual equipment appeal to audiences and visitors.  

From the beginning, the Chamber Board had a vision to improve work spaces and construct state of the art meeting spaces. 

But to accomplish their vision and create a home with all these objectives, the chamber would have to find the right general contractor and architect for the job. 

"We were looking for a space that could accommodate our growing staff, but more importantly we were looking for a space that could meet the needs of our Chamber members for years to come,” said Chamber President and CEO Charlie Moore.

From many choices, the chamber selected J Spencer Construction (GC) and the Farnsworth Group (Architect).    

“As soon as we met with the Chamber staff and board members, we knew this would be an exciting project for us and the community,” said J Spencer Construction Project Manager Brock Spencer.  

As a design-build project, J Spencer Construction worked with the Farnsworth Group to come-up with ideas/solutions on how to make the chamber’s vision come to fruition. Many of these ideas/solutions were still evolving even after the construction process had started.  That’s because the Chamber had a tight deadline of getting moved into the new space by the Christmas Holiday.  

Spencer said, “Through scheduling and critical path analysis, we were able to mitigate problems and keep ahead of our original projected completion date of mid-January.”

Chamber staff moved into their offices at 2203 East Empire St. Suite B. in Bloomington on December 20th. 

J Spencer Construction would like to congratulate the McLean County Chamber of Commerce on its new home.  We feel the design features and more importantly the staff and chamber members will be a great asset to the community for years to come.

 “The construction and design crew did an amazing job of taking our vision and making it a reality.  They completed the project on-time and within our budget. Thank you for a job well done," said Moore.  

 J Spencer Construction would also like to thank Designer Sarah Kathro and Architect John Bishop of the Farnsworth Group, for their guidance through the construction process.

For more pictures of this project and others, please visit our facebook site.   

Source: Climate.  2012 Annual Report Issue. McLean County Chamber of Commerce

Great Clips Opens New Location in Bloomington, IL

J Spencer Construction is proud to show-off the brand-new Great Clips hair salon inside Schnucks Supermarket (1701 East Empire St. Bloomington, IL). The new store offers affordable, quality haircuts in a comfortable, friendly salon.

According to Brock Spencer (J Spencer Construction, Project Manager), "The new store has a relaxed atmosphere and hassle-free location. We enjoyed working with Great Clips corporate office and their local franchisee David Hands. They helped make the project run smoothly."

Here's what Mr. Hands had to say about J Spencer Construction, "Super impressed with everyone...Really appreciate adapting to challenges and bumps in the road that arose and keeping my project's successful completion as a priority."

Special thanks to RW Vandegraft Painting, Carpet Weavers, Twin City Electric, and Prairie Signs for making this project a success.

For more information about the Great Clips Salon in Bloomington, IL click on this link, http://www.greatclips.com/salons/8819.

Prairieland Federal Credit Union revamps current location in Normal, IL and opens a new site across town in Bloomington.

As part of the construction team, J Spencer Construction is privileged to aid in the progress of a hometown credit union.

Prairieland’s new location is at 1722 Hamilton Drive in Bloomington, IL.  During the project, the  J Spencer Construction team installed new teller lines, check stands, refreshment stands, and reconfigured walls for new bathrooms, offices, and break rooms.

J Spencer Construction Owner Jim Spencer said, “We are very excited at how the previously vacant building has been transformed into a very distinctive and attractive looking credit union.”

Prairieland’s current location at 416 Kays Drive in Normal, IL also got a facelift with new teller lines and casework in the atrium of the credit union.

Prairieland Federal Credit Union has been serving customers in Central Illinois since 1937.  For more information on the credit union, please visit their website at www.NotYourNormalBank.com.

	Carlock  Elementary School

A new lift, ramp, and bathroom remodel allows better access for Carlock Elementary staff, students, and visitors.

As a school constructed in 1938, Carlock Elementary wasn't originally built with all the accessibility features required in today's world.

This summer, J Spencer Construction oversaw the construction of a new concrete ramp and railing. Previously steps served as the main entrance into the building, which made it difficult for some with disabilities. The J Spencer Construction Crew also constructed a new elevator shaft, which allows a lift to travel through 3 different levels at the school.

J Spencer Construction's Owner Jim Spencer said, "We are proud to be part of a project that makes a building like Carlock Elementary open to all community members."

Part of the job also included new ADA restroom facilities in the boys and girls bathrooms. This incorporated new toilets, urinals, and toilet partitions.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires that each service, program, or activity conducted by a public entity in a public accommodation or commercial facility, when viewed in its entirety, be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. Guidelines to new construction and alterations projects covered by titles II (state and local government services) and III (public accommodations and commercial facilities) of the ADA are spelled out in ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG) (www.access-board.gov).

Special thanks go out to Unit District No. 5, Middleton & Associates, Tri-County Irrigation & Plumbing, J.G. Stewart Contractors Inc., The H3 Group, IL Prairie Electric, Otto Baum Inc, McLean County Asphalt Inc., Lifts of Illinois and Union Roofing for aiding in the completion of the project.